Head of Accounts Payable

Head of Accounts Payable

Derbyshire - Hybrid Role (Initially 3 days office based & 2 days home)

Competitive salary, car allowance and benefits package

Eaton Syalon are delighted to be partnering exclusively with a highly successful business in Derbyshire to recruit a Head of Accounts Payable. This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced Accounts Payable professional to lead the Accounts Payable function, driving operational excellence, governance, and transformation initiatives within a complex, fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and transform a large-scale Accounts Payable function within a PLC environment.

This pivotal role will suit a senior finance leader with extensive Accounts Payable and Procure-to-Pay experience, who is passionate about continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and developing high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, direction, and development support to the Accounts Payable team
• Support talent development and succession planning initiatives across the function
• Ensure all Accounts Payable activities operate in line with internal policies, audit requirements, and regulatory compliance standards including VAT, CIS, and RCT
• Maintain oversight of legislative and regulatory changes, including IR35, to minimise business risk and ensure ongoing compliance
• Serve as the key Accounts Payable contact for audit activity, control reviews, and governance-related matters
• Oversee the full procure-to-pay (P2P) process in partnership with Procurement and wider finance teams
• Manage core Accounts Payable operations including invoice processing, supplier payments, master data maintenance, and query management
• Ensure the accurate and efficient processing of high-volume transactions across multiple entities within agreed service levels
• Track and analyse operational KPIs to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and service delivery
• Maintain effective operational controls across a large and complex supplier network
• Work collaboratively with Treasury, Credit, and Financial Control teams to support cash flow management and working capital objectives
• Oversee payment scheduling processes and ensure critical supplier payments are managed effectively
• Contribute towards departmental budgeting and cost management objectives
• Maintain and strengthen the Accounts Payable control environment, ensuring audit actions and control improvements are implemented where necessary
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders across Finance, Procurement, Business Services, and operational teams
• Manage supplier relationships and escalations effectively, ensuring professional communication and adherence to agreed payment practices
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance supplier onboarding processes, payment term strategies, and dispute management procedures
• Support and lead system enhancement projects, implementations, and automation initiatives within the Accounts Payable function
• Drive process standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and consistency
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the wider finance function
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls, and improve overall service performance

Candidate Profile:

• Significant senior-level Accounts Payable leadership experience within a large, complex organisation (FTSE, PLC, or equivalent is essential)
• Proven experience managing large-scale or shared service Accounts Payable teams is essential
• Strong understanding of Procure-to-Pay processes, financial controls, and audit requirements
• Working knowledge of CIS and/or RCT deductions within the P2P cycle is desirable
• Experienced in driving change, process improvement, and finance transformation initiatives
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strong analytical mindset with a focus on risk mitigation and continuous improvement
• Compassionate and inspiring leadership style with a passion for developing high-performing teams

Please apply with your most up to date CV for a confidential discussion about this role.